240 Sundeck- used

whitey

New Member
Apr 24, 2007
6
I am considering the above boat for possible purchase. A brokerage Florida has both a 1996 and 1997 listed. Both are reputed to be in excellent condition, though I still have much due-diligence to do on that matter.
What I am interested in know is:
are there any quirks to these early designs that either recommend them, or are a disaster for the owner?
Were there power/outdrive options that should be sought after, or avoided?
I am on a limited budget, so must consider only older models, or not at all.
THanks for any insights you can share.
WHitey
 
The pre-2000 Sundeck was the old style, flat nose, no windshield, flat hull/tri hull kind of "Deck Boat". I don't recall ever seeing one with anything other than a 5.0 ltr or 5.7 ltr for power.

However, for being the "old style" prior to the truly industry leading newer sport boat appearance Sundeck, it always amazed me how much value they held.

Beyond the normal deep inspection/survey, and maybe checking BoatUS to if there were any common reported issues, if they/it is that clean and it fits what you want or need for boating, jump all over it and enjoy the water!!
 
Whitey,

Looks like SeaRay Jim beat me to it. He hit the nail on the head. Make sure you under stand the type of hull you are getting. Where do you do your boating? Calm inland lake or rough water? If it is going to be rough water may want to look at a deep V type hull boat. :huh:
 
240 Sundeck

Thanks to you both for the info. I thought the hull looked kinda flat. I will use the boat in Lake Erie, which can get a little choppy- like 4-6 footers not unusual. My old 86 Sorrento handled that like a charm, but in all honesty, I am a fair-weather boater. If it's calm and glassy and hot, that's where you'll find me. In rough weather, I'm on the couch watching baseball.
If anyone else has advice, I'm all ears (or in this forum, I guess, all eyes!).
Whitey
 
You said money is an issue but if there is any way you can swing it, I think a 2000 would be a better choice. These boats were solid from day one and with the deep-v hull and bigger head, they are just going to be nicer boats. Plus they have changed very little in eight models years.
 
Re: 240 Sundeck

whitey said:
Thanks to you both for the info. I thought the hull looked kinda flat. I will use the boat in Lake Erie, which can get a little choppy- like 4-6 footers not unusual. My old 86 Sorrento handled that like a charm, but in all honesty, I am a fair-weather boater. If it's calm and glassy and hot, that's where you'll find me. In rough weather, I'm on the couch watching baseball.
If anyone else has advice, I'm all ears (or in this forum, I guess, all eyes!).
Whitey

Based on the chop factor I would really try to find something with a deep V type hull. Just another thought you may want to go smaller like the 220, 210 or 200 sundeck to keep the cost down. :huh: How many people do you plan to have on the boat most of the time? Have to agree with Dave, if there is any way you can swing it, I would try and get something newer than an 2000 model.
 
OK I'm going to revive an old posting! Two years after this thread originated, I too am looking at purchasing an older model 240 Sundeck, a 1997. This boat will be slipped on Lake Keowee in South Carolina. It's a 28 mile long, 18,500 acre lake with 330 miles of shore line. I'm also considering a 1999 210 Sundeck which has the deep V hull. Pricing is similar, the 210 is about $1000 more but I like the room of the 240. The 240 has always been a fresh water boat (Lake Norman) and the 210 has seen some salt water. Reading the original posting by Whitey, the general consences was to go for the deep V hull configuration. Whitey was boating on the Great Lakes, been there and done it, I wouldn't even have a bow rider on the Great Lakes let alone a deck boat, but Keowee is different. After being so long winded the question comes down to which one will handle better?:huh:
Thanks,
CYC Boater
 
I owned a 1999 210 Sundeck and a 2002 240 Sundeck. Speaking strictly for myself, I would prefer the 210 Sundeck over the older 240SD hands down.

The older 240SDs are a big throw back to the way deck boats used to be built and for that reason alone I personally am not a big fan of them. Comparing the two choices you mentioned, seating capacity on the 210SD is 8 people and you can do that comfortably. The (newer) 240SD will seat 12 if that is important to you. The 210SD has a windshield and I would not underestimate that "feature" for both you and your family's comfort compared to the older 240SDs. Plus the head is very "usable" on the 210SD as well......not sure about the older 240SDs

In the end it is a personal choice. If you really want the bigger boat I would first look for an older model of the current 240SD to see if you can find something in your price range

That's my story and I am sticking to it. :smt043
 
I'll second what Dave said. Having personally been on Keowee a couple times you will have chop and it is nice to have that Deep V to cut through it.
 
Thanks for the replies. Based on past posting on this subject, I suspected that Dave and Chuck would favor the newer version of Deckboat but I was hoping to hear from someone who owns an older model. If there is someone with a 95- to 99 240 Sundeck, please let me know what you think.
To answer the question why a Deckboat, the Commodore wanted a pontoon boat! Coming from a 290 Dancer I was't getting a pontoon and a Deckboat seems to have the best of both worlds, plenty of room to party on and yet have the juice to get someone up on skies and fun to drive.
CYC Boater
 

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